I’m so tired of people. People suck. No really. I mean that. As I scroll through my news feeds and watch “informative” programming on the TV and listen to “unbiased” opinions on news radio, I really do come to a point where I literally could explode. But not from anger…from frustration. And it’s not because I disagree with the opinions. I can handle a good debate. As a matter of fact, I love a good debate. Let’s argue our viewpoints and listen to other perspectives. Let’s stand for what we believe and be open to challenge. Let’s be willing to try to understand the issue from another’s point of view, all the while deepening our own understanding as well. No. I’m not tired because of debate. I’m tired of people because they are hypocrites. No wonder our kids are so screwed up. Those of you who complain about the moral degradation of our youth need not look too far to find the source of said degradation. Those of you who lament at the sad state of the world around us need not look too far to learn how we've come to this point. You see, on the surface we love to talk a good talk. We raise our children in this world that is full of different colors of skin, different languages, different beliefs, different values, and we (some of us) try to raise those children with an ethical sense of knowing the difference between right and wrong. There are many little sayings that are passed down from generation to generation. These tidbits of knowledge are intended to serve as a way to help raise a child who will hopefully grow up to be a positive contributor to society. Someone who is just and kind. Someone who is caring and compassionate. Someone who can lead. Now who wouldn't be proud to say they raised that kid? On the surface these little sayings make ethical sense. But kids aren't stupid. They don’t operate on the surface. At least not from the beginning. No, they learn from the adults around them how society truly works. Here are some examples of just a few of the nuggets of wisdom we pass on in the hopes of making a better society and how they are full of complete and utter bullshit.

It’s what’s on the inside that counts…

…unless they look weird, like they’re too fat or thin, or too dark or light, or wear funny clothes. And if they say they don’t believe in Jesus, then that just means they’re bad. So, it is what’s on the inside that counts, as long as they act and look normal…like us.

Treat everybody the same…

…except when we don’t like something about them. You see, we don’t treat gays differently because we’re homophobic. We have gay friends. That proves we’re not homophobic. It’s just when they start expecting us to accept that they should get married…well, that’s against our religion. So, no they don’t deserve to have that right. If anyone accuses us of being homophobic though, they’re flat out wrong. We’re right, not homophobic.

Material things don’t matter…

…but that doesn't mean we can’t have a big house or that we shouldn't have all new cars. I’m mean, look at that guy’s car. I wouldn't be caught dead in that thing. And did you see what that kid was wearing? Talk about ghetto!

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all…

…unless it has to do with our religious or political beliefs. That’s why we have freedom of speech, so we can say what we believe in whether others like it or not. It doesn't matter if it’s mean-spirited, or demeaning, or degrading to another person. And if others don’t like it or disagree with us, then they should just keep their mouths shut.

Jennifer Furlong

Jennifer Furlong has 25 years’ experience in the communication field and teaches communication and public speaking courses in the Savannah area. She earned a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. She currently resides in Richmond Hill, Ga. with her family of canines, felines, and humans. Let's be social! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter. Just look for Professor SpeechLady. See you in cyberspace.